Why You Should Clean Your Homes Air Ducts Every 2-3 Years?

Indoor Air Quality: Indoor air quality is very important. Many of us have year-round air conditioning systems that cool and heat our homes. In conjunction, many of us also may be suffering from year-round allergies. We spend a lot of time indoors, and are incredibly vulnerable to indoor air pollution. Protect the health and well-being of your family by having your ducts cleaned professionally cleaned and sterilized with an anti-microbial.

Remember the last time you changed your furnace air filter? That old filter was literally packed with dust, dirt and other environmental debris that was flowing through the inside of your home and the inside of your heating ducts. If you think your furnace air filter will keep your duct work clean, think again!

Home Construction: From the time it was brand-new, your home's duct work may already have been contaminated with construction debris, rodent feces, dead insects and any other dirt and pollutants that may have made its way into your heating/cooling system--before it was "sealed" and completed. If you haven't cleaned your ducts since, you may be breathing in whatever was sealed inside from the day your home was built. The metal that makes up most ductwork is steel, and it was slightly oiled at the factory to keep it from rusting and otherwise deteriorating. Dust and debris can cling to that slightly oily surface as it is blown through your ducts.

Allergens and Respiratory Problems: You may appreciate the energy efficiency of your well-built, well-insulated home due to technologies employed to keep the cold out and the heat in, but this lack of movement also effects indoor air quality issues. Energy efficient construction tends to trap excess moisture in various locations throughout your house, often resulting in the growth of bacteria. And your ductwork is a prime breeding ground for bacteria because it can remain undisturbed for years unless you clean them every two to three years.

These dirty ducts may be harboring contaminants, bacteria or other pathogens which can wreak havoc on a person suffering allergies, asthma or autoimmune disorders--all the more reason to have your ducts cleaned, if you are an individual who suffers from respiratory issues. Young children and the elderly are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of contaminated indoor air.

When Should I Clean My Air-Ducts? 1. If your ducts have never been cleaned. 2. Every 2-3 years, more often if you have children or pets.

Once you have decided to hire a professional duct cleaning or home restoration company, they should give you a free in-home estimate. Hiring a reputable local company helps support a local economy and guarantees excellent service because nothing spreads faster than word of mouth. Afterwards, you should notice the difference when you turn on your heat--the air in your home should have a fresh clean smell.

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Improve Your Home's Heating and Cooling With a New Digital Thermostat

With the arrival of fall comes football, the changing of colors and colder weather. As the temperatures start to drop outside, it is important to make sure that your heating and cooling systems are prepared to keep you warm on the inside. A proper thermostat and HVAC inspection will ensure that your system is up and running to its optimal performance.

Thermostats

Many homeowners may be familiar with the older, more traditional circular thermostats that are in homes today, and while these do the general job of a thermostat (keep your house warm/cold when it needs to be); they do not offer you the options of zoning control and air quality control. Enter the new digital thermostats that are available today. These new thermostats, such as the Trane Comfortlink II, offering homeowners the ability to control how hot/cold it is in certain rooms, the quality of air that is coming into their household and even a digital photo frame! Some of these thermostats can be connected to your wireless internet and show you up to date weather, monitor your systems temperatures and how they relate to outdoor temperatures and also set up scheduling times for when the heating and cooling systems should be on and off. On top of these incredible options, the system also will help you save some money, by allowing you to keep a closer eye on when your heating and cooling systems are on and off.Have a room that no one uses? You can shut off the heating to that room with the thermostat instead of just shutting the vents to that room. In time these new digital thermostats will pay for themselves, and then more.

HVAC Inspection

During this time of year it is important to have a heating and cooling system inspection, not only to help determine if you have any leaks or cracks in your system, but to also ensure that everything is in working order. It is important to note that while checking the filters in your system is important, it should not be considered an "inspection". A full inspection conducted by a HVAC installer on your heating and cooling system will not only prevent potential damage and breakdowns in the future, but will also give you assurance that your system is running in peak operating condition. A full inspection should cover everything from ensuring that the system is running correctly during a normal cycle to checking carbon monoxide levels near the furnace/boiler and heat registers.

With a new digital thermostat and a heating and cooling system inspection done by a HVAC professional, you can ensure that your home will be warm and toasty during the upcoming winter months and that you will also have extra money in your pocket from the efficiency of your system and thermostat working together.

Your Air Conditioning and What You Should Know   Water Heater Shopping - Choosing the Most Efficient Product